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Degen - I can be a success

Philipp Degen is unfazed by Glen Johnson's arrival and is keen to avoid another 'very sad season'.

By James Dall

Last Updated: 24/07/09 9:28am

Liverpool's Philipp Degen is unfazed by the arrival of Glen Johnson and is desperate to avoid another 'very sad season' at Anfield.

The Switzerland international joined the Reds from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer last summer but struggled for fitness during his debut term on Merseyside.

Degen failed to make a Premier League appearance under manager Rafa Benitez and the £17million signing of fellow right-back Glen Johnson appears to have pushed him further down the pecking order.

But the 26-year-old is refusing to give up hope of making a name for himself at Liverpool and, amid a promising pre-season, is eagerly anticipating the new campaign.

Of Johnson's arrival, he said: "That is life at a big club like Liverpool. I will do all I can to show what I can do. That's the most important thing for me."

Degen continued: "Last season was a very sad one for me. But I have worked hard during the holidays and now I feel really good. I am not yet at 100 per cent match fitness but I am feeling better every day.

"It is a new season and a new start for me. I have never had a season like last season before when I was injured all the time. I came to a new club wanting to show what I could do but it was not possible.

"I was injured, injured, injured and I know the fans were thinking I am that sort of player, but it isn't true. I want to fight to prove myself now and that is why I am looking forward to this year so much."